Truck jack



i. A. WEAVER AND R. G. STOEHR.

TRUCK JACK.

APPLFCM'IUN FILED JULYQ, l i

Patented Aug. 8, 1922.

3 SHEETS SHLEI l.

I. A. WEAVER AND R. G. STUEHR. TRUCK JACK. APPLICATION mu) JULYQ, 191s.

l A. WEAVER AND R. G. STUEHR.

TRUCK JACK.

MPLICATION FILID JULY 9. r919.

IRA A. WEAVER AND ROLLA G. S'IOEHR.

THE WEAVER MANUFACTURING COM PORATION OF ILLINOIS.

OF SPRINGFIELD. ILLINGIS, ASSIGNORS TO YANY. OF SPRINGFIELD ILLINOIS, A COR- TRUCK JACK.

Application filed July 9,

lie it known that we. ln.\ A. 'izavsn and ltoua (i. S'ioitiiii, both ritirzeus oi the l'nited States. residing at Springfield. in therounty of Sangamon and State of Illinois. have invented certain new and useful improvements in Trnrlc Ja -ks. of \\'lll('l] lllt' following is a spet'ifiration.

()ur invention relates to lifting-jarks of the triu-k or wheeled type esperially adapted for use with automobiles and the like. one objert of the invention being the provision of an a ipliaure of this character equipped with a handle by which the true]; may he moved. the handle also by suitable ronnertions being adapted to steer the wheels of the (rm-k and also operate the jaelt. Sui-h handle has two independent movements. one governing the steering of the wheels. and the other the manipulation of the jarlt. The apparatus as a whole possesses many features of novelty both in strurture and mode of operation by means of whir-h various other desirable ohjeets are attained. all as will be readily understood by thosv skilled in the art from a mnsideration of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the arrompanying drawings and described in detail below. For example. tho improved trurk-jark is of much and valuable servire in shifting or moving pleasure automobiles or trueks in restrieted or confined spares in garages, show-rooms. srri'ire-stations tireshops. etc, the apparatus ronstituting a stron". rompart. easily-o|ierated. quieloaeting. lifting and transporting jark. Surh combined trurk and jaek is so designed and eonstrurted that but little spare is required for its appliration to the automobile and its manipulation, the handle being fitted with a balance sprinn whieh normally swings it upwardly out ol the way and out of danger of being run over bv other vehicles. The jaek proper is desirably made of two telesroping parts, thereby enlarging or increasing its range of lifting agtion. the release latrh used when lowering the load. being located on the handle and easily areessible.

Throughout tho various views of the drawings depicting a preferred and desirable em- Specificatlon of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 8. 1922.

1919. Serial No. 309.593.

hodiment of this invention. like reference I-haraeters refer to the same parts.

In these drawings:

Figure l is a plan view of the appliance. a portion of the handle being broken away and the steering of the wheels being indieated by a showing in dotted lines;

Fi ure 2 is an elevation of the strueture of Figure l and illustrates the. manner in Wlllt'll the handle may he-swungnp or down in operating the jack;

l: :ure 3 is an enlarged central vertiral section through the apparatus. portions of the same being broken away' to more clearly illustrate the exact construction:

Figure l is a fr: mentary horizontal set" tion on line 44 0 Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary elevation of the handle end of the apparatus:

Figure 6 is a fragmentary vertical section through the jark portion of the appliance;

Figure Prank and pawl tor lifting the load;

Figure. 8 is a perspeetive view of the release member employed in the park; and

Figure 9 is a horizontal section on an enlar ed srale on ine 9-4) of Figure 3.

fieferrin in these drawings. it will be seen that tie improved combined truck and jar-k eomprises a llOll()\\'-(-8.Stl!l} '20 of somewhat peculiar shape to which a transverse axle 21 is bolted at 22, 22, such axle at its two ends being equipped with pivoted steerlug-knuckles 23,24. equipped with carryingwheels 25, 25, the two knuelrles being connerte l together, as is customary in automobiles. with a link 26. whereby steering movements transmitted to the knuckle 24 and its wheel will be simultaneously eommnnacated to the companion knuckle and wheel.

The truck or wheeled supporting portion of the apparatus includes additionally a hollow tube 27 secured, as by a vertical pin 28. in the end portion of casting 20. and fastened at its other end in a smaller casting 29 by means of a similar securing pin 30. As is clearly shown in Fignre 2, this hollow member 29 is supported on a caster-wheel 31 roekingly mounted on the casting so that it.

is free to turn around its own horizontal 8318i 100 l is a perspertive view of the hell and also around a vertical axis. Thus, it will be appreciated that the entire structure is supported on the two steering-wheels 25, 25, and the somewhat-distant associated cas tor-wheel Zl I The appliance is provided with a hollow handle -stafi 40 having its lower 3 portion extended through and revoluble in a socket member etl pivoted or bin ed on a cross-pin 42 supported in downwar yextended spaced cars 43', 43, constitutin 'integral parts of the casting 29. a The ower end of this handle-shaft has an upwardlybent arm 44 pinned or otherwise fixed thereto, such arm carrying a ball 45 accommodated in a correspondingly-shaped sockev 46 of an end member 47 having a screw-threaded acljustable engagement with a bent connecting steering-rod 18 having pivotal connection at 49 with the steering-knuckle 24.

The upper end of the handle staff or arm is equipped with a transverse handle proper 5O pinned or otherwise conveniently fixed thereto, the shank of the handle being slotted at 51 for a purpose hereinafter indicated.

It will be understood that by turning this handle 50 and its arm 44, the pair of wheels 25, may be steered or turned angularly, the connecting-rod being inwardly bent or deflected at 52 to give the wheel 25 on its side of the truck a substantial movement without interference therewith. When the handle 50 is at right-angles to the longitudinal axis of the truck, the wheels will be parallel to such axis and the truck as a whole if moved will travel in a straight path. Under these circumstances the ball and socket connection 45, 46. will be in alignment or register with the axis of the horizontal cross-pin 42 on which the handle-arm is hinged and the swinging of the handle in a vertical lane will have no effect on the steering-w eels. When the handle 50 is turned to steer the wheels, the ball and socket joint is, of conrse, shifted. out of such register.

Turning now to the liftingjack portion of the appliance. it will be observed that the top wall of casting 20 is provided with a ver tical. qvlindrical passage slidingly receiving a vertically adjustnble sleeve (ll equipped with an outstanding pin (32 traveling in a vertical groove 63 inside of the casting. thus preventing rotation of the sleeve permitting its elevation and descent, but also preventing its upward withdrawal from the appliance. The bottom end of groove [i3 is covered or closed by the head 64 of an inclined bolt 65 equipped with a retaining out no. sucl bolt being accommodated in a hole throng the casting for that purpose. By unscrewing the nut and removing the bolt the sleeve 61 may be withdrawn from the casting 2U downwardly through its open bottom. On on side this sleeve or tube has a series of transverse. spaced teeth (37 with horizontal lower surfaces and inclined upper surfaces,

all as is clearly illustrated in Figure 3.

Internally, such sleeve accommodates a cylindrical shaft or post 68 longitudinally- ,grooved at 69, the groove loosely receiving a stop-pin 7U fixed to the top portion of the sleeve 61 and projecting inwardly through its wall. This pin not only prevents an upward removal of th'e post from the sleeve by reason of the engag'ement of the pin with the end Wall of the groove, but it additionally limits the turning of the post in the sleeve, the pin being somewhat less in diameter than the width of the groove, thus allowing a small extent of rotary movement of the post in the sleeve for a purpose hereinafter de scribed.

The telescopic arrangement of the post and sleeve is provided with the object/of expandin or enlarging the lifting capacity of the pick. F or low bodies the post would be received entirely within the sleeve, but for higher bodies the post may be caused to extend upwardly out of the sleeve varying amounts, being held in tions b a balLcatch construction comprising a ownwardly-inclinedcylindrical hole 71 in the lower part of the Shaft or post 68, such cavity accomn'iodating a coil expanaxon-spring 72 tending to push upwardly and outwardly a ball 73 of substantially the diameter of the recess. Sleeve 61 has a pluralit of vertically-spaced holes 74, T5. and T6 t rough its wall of slightly less caliber than the diameter of the ball. Under normal conditions with the shaft or post 68 held in elevated position, one of the holes in the sleeve is in register with'the cavity 71 of the post, the ball being partially accommodated in these registering recesses and acting as a stop or support on which the jackpost rests.

0 change the degree of extension of the jack-post from the sleeve. that is, to modify the height of the post so as to properly engage the portion of the automobile to be litted, the operator manually raises the post slightly, and, by reason of the inclination of the aperture in the post, such movement automatically retracts the hall from the openin; of the sleeve in which it resides. thus permitting free and unrestrained elevation of the jack-post. Then by turning the post slightly so as to teniporurily maintain the ball out of register with the line of holes the sleeve, the post may be shifted vertically the desired amount and then turned angularly to bring the ball into register with the opening, corresponding to such height. the ball automatically entering that particular sleeve opening under the action of its spring and then constituting a rest or support for the post in its new adjusted position.

At its top the ieclcpost carries pro-rigged such elevated posi worlcengatlingf n r 77 revolul'ile l be post, its height t n-fill! being deternnn -i ivy the shoulder 78 on the post. The upper reduced part of the postis equipped with a fixed washer it) having teeth H0 up its under surface and the underlying porti'iTii of the member 77 is provided with similar teeth 81. Under normal conditions when the member Ti rests in revoluble condition on the shoulder 78, these two sets of teeth are out of pnga 'ement. When. however. 2 is desired to ail inst the height of the jack-post in the' sleeve in the manner described aii wc, a slight lifting of the member 77 causes a direct positive engagement between itself and the post by reason of the interinatchingteeth so that the turning action of the post may be effected without touching tg'ac post; proper. it being merely necessary togadjust the p0st'b v manipulation of the member 77 and the teeth described.

Inhrder to control the step-by-slcp elevation of the jack sleeve and post and their descent the appliance is provided with the following instrium-ntalitii-s:

()n a cross-pin 90 supported in the parallel side-walls of the casting 20 a bell-crank 91 is fulcrumed, the shorter bifurcated arm thereof having a pawl 02 pivoted thereon on a pin 93, acoil-spring 04 encircling the hub of the pawl and hearing at its two ends on the longer arm of the bell-crank and on the pawl respectively the pawl having two transverse \lll1(l!1Ctll extensions or pins 95 and 96 respectively, the latter normally traveling on or adjacent to a vertical surface 07 on the interior of the casting 20, thus limiting the swinging of the pawl toward the teeth of the jack-sleeve. The bifurcated end ortion 98 of the longer arm of the hellcr'anli is connected by a link 99 pivoted on a )in 100 in the bell-crank to the socket memer 41, being pivoted on a crosspin 101 supported in parallel brackets 102. 102. integral with the member 41. the end portion of the link being received between such brackets. It will be perceived. therefore. that when the handle sta'll' 40 is swung downwardly on its pivotal support 421m; shown in dotted lines in, Figure 2, thii shorter arm of hellerank 91 and the pawl which it carries will be elevated,and if, during such elevation, the pawl engages one of the teeth of the jack-sleeve, it will lift the latter.

To maintain the jack sleeve in elevated position during the descent of the pawl or dog 92 for engagement with a lower tooth, the apparatus is provided in a slightly-inclined cylindrical cavity 103 in the casting-.-.

20 with a plunger 104 having a tooth 105 to co-operate with the teeth of the jacksleero 61, the dog having a fiat upper surface and,

a beveled under surface. Such plunger and its dog is pressed inwardly toward the sleeve by a spring 106 accommodated 'ln part in a. recessed end of the plunger and in part in '68 a, cavity in a closure-plug 10 7,held in place 11:! with :1 depending extension 113 of the member 10!. the latter element having also an upwardl v-extcinlcd linger 114 positioned in front of a transversely extending pin 115 carried b v the plunger 104 and slidable in a suitable slot 110 in the casting. the pin thus preventing the plunger and its tooth from turning in its bearing. It; therefore. the yoke-member 109 is swung away from the sleeve 01. its end 114 will retract the locking or holding tooth 105 away from the teeth of the jack-sleeve provided the load has been lifted oil of the tooth by the companion lifting dog or pawl 92!. Member 109 has an openin 11? tln-rethrough witlra constricted or narrow lower portion 118 with straight edges and a wider upper portion 119 the member possessing an inclin d or cam surface 120 at, the point indica ed where the narrower part widens into it: larger portion. the hole 117 acconmimlating the pin 95 of the lifting pawl or dog as illustrated in Figure. 3.

In order that this pivotally-mounted element 109 may be manually retracted to eifect the lowering of the load. it is iivotally connected at 121 with a bent pul -har 122. the depending end 123 of which is associated with one end of a chain 124 passing aroundan unti-friction roller 125 supported between the brackets 102, the other end of the chain being connected to a release rod 126 having a latch end or handle portion 127 extended out sidewise through the slot 51 of the shank of the handle 50. Roller 125 is so positioned durin the upward and downward swinging o the whole handle or lever structure 41., 40, 50, that the chain will occupy such position as to effect no movement of the link 122. Stated somewhat difierently, such link and the release member 109 are manipulated only when the catch or handle 127 is pulledupwardly or outwardly toward the cross-handle 50.

In. order that the hinged or fulcrumed handle may automatically assume a substantially-vertical position when released and thus keep it out of the way, the pin 101 which passes through the'two brackets 102 is pivotally associated withthe end portion of a bent bar'128, the other end ofwhich is connected to the "in 2B by a ooil contractile-spring 129. isfapring is at such strength that when the handleis freed it pwa y will automatically swinfi i astrated in ntly to the fitltljna position l i gure 2, thus;;birryih;' it out or harms way and hence unlikely to be run over by a vehicle. Such raised position of the handle pal-takes somewhat ofa'safety precaution also becduse under such circumstances the lower lifting pawlor dog will be in tooth-engaging position. Consequently, if accidentally the retaining d0g 105 were released the lower dog would hold the load and there would be no sudden dropping of the loader violent upward swinging of the handle with ossible danger to the operator and likelioodof dama to the car.

The operation. of this appliance takes place practically as follows:

Assume for example that an automobile is close in the corner of a building parallel to one side, head foremost against the other wall, and cannot be moved back by reason of some obstructio n, so that it is necessary to shift laterally or sidewise either the rear or front end thereof. In case it is the front end, thetruok-jack is pushed or guided in under the front portion of the vehicle so as to brin the jack proper beneath the center of the front axle. This can be readily done by pushing it the truck diagonally fromthe side of the machine behind one 0 the front wheels. Assuming that the 0st or standard 68 has been reviousl o evated in the sleeve- 61 and lociied by t e ball 73 at the proper height in the manner indicated, the operator rocks the hinged handle or fnl crumed lever 41, 40, 50 downwardly around its pivotal su port 42. Each time it swings down the be l-cranh 91- is turned so as to raise the pawl or dog 92 and this by engaging one of the teeth 67 of thesleeve 61 elevates the latter one tooth or more. DuringI this upward travel the tooth 105 is forcer back by the inclined upper surface of the tooth beneath it and as soon as such tooth has passed the catch 105 the latter, under the action of spring 106, automatically slides in under the tooth and retains the sleeve in its new adjusted position, so that during the upward swinging of the handle, which causes the pawl 92 to descend, the jackpost and sleeve will remain in their elevated position. This swinging of the handle u and down is continued iintil the load is ifted sulliciently, on, as in th'e case assumed, until the wheels of the vehicle are raised from the.

fioor. Then the handle'50 is turned on its own axis so as. to cant the wheels 25, 25, to bringthem into parallel relation with the front axle of the automobile. Now the front portion of such automobile can be readily moved sidewise out of the corner, its weight being carried by-the steering-wheels 25. 25, and the caster-wheel 31, and in this way the automobile carhi'ie extricated from its confined position.

To lower the released or moved automobile to the floor again, the handle 50 is turned so that the wheels 25 will be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the appliance and the handle -11, =10, 50, is rocked up and down, the release latch or trigger 1Q? being pulled at the same time, which swings the release yoke rearwardly pivotingabout the pin 105, now held from retraction by the weight of the load, the lower end of the releaseyoke movin back by reason of its link mounting. thus held back, the lifting-dog 92 during its ascent is prevented from swin ing forwardly into engagement with t e sleeve teeth by reason of its sliding along the front wall of the lower constricted part of the opening of the release member until it is near the upper end of its travel when it comes under a tooth and lifts-it slightly, thereby relieving the retainin dog 105 from the weight of the load. hereupon, owing to the all through handle 1271ten member 109, the latter is retracted at its upper end, drawing back catch 105 and permitting the sleeve and load to descend with do 92 during the upward swinging of the iiandle. During such descent, the pin or lug travels substantially vertically and by engagement with the sloping or cam surface 120 draws member 109 forwardly even though theoperator ma be pulling on trigger 127, thereby freeing 0g 10:) in time for it to engage beneath one of the sleeve teeth to hold the load during the next ascending movement of the lifting dog. By these means the load is lowered step by step during the'rockin of the lever handle and the retraction of t e handle 127. The above described action proper timed release of do or catch is conditioned i'ipon the loa or weight imposed on the toothed or notched sleeve and as soon as such load is removed, as by the automobile w" eels again resting on the floor, the pull on handle 12! wi-ll simultane- While the member 109 is concerning the v ously retract or release both dogs and the sleeve will drop immediately to its lower, most position which action is, of course, desirable. I

Inasmuch as trucks ve low bodies and automobiles are frequen ly equipped either at the front or rear. with bumpers and low hanging reserve rims or tires which would prevent a full roekirrg'movement of the andle lever, the jack is so constructed that the handle need be swupg only' through the lower part of its range of moi'ement to carry out the load lifting and lowering operations. l

From an understanding of the construction and mode of operation of this particular embodiment of the invention many advantageous uses of the improved appliance will suggest themselves to those skilled in this art as will also several minor mechanical changes or'modifications in the device, all of whichfall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Stated somewhat differently, the invention is not bontined'and restricted to the precise and exact features of construction presented, these being subject to minor and substantial changes without departure from the spirit and essence of the invention.

Vi e claim: 7

1. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a truck having a caster-wheel and rotatable steering means near one end of-the truck, a lifting-jack on said truck, a handle movably mounted on said truck near the other end thereof, means connecting said handle and jack whereby the fbrmer may operate the latter, and handle and steerin means whereby the handle may turn an steer such means, sub? stantially as described.

2. In an appliance of the character described, the combination of a-,truck having a caster-wheel and 'a pair of steering-wheels each constructed to swing about a. vertical axis near one end of the truck, a lifting jack on said truck, a handle rockingly mounted on said truck near the other end thereof. means connecting said handle and jack whereby the former'may operate the latter, and means connecting said handle and steering-wheels whereby the handle may turn and steer such wheels, substantially as described.

3. In a truck-jack of the character described, the combination ofa wheeled truck having steering-wheel means near one end of the truck. a lifting-jack on said truck. a handle movabl mounted on said truck near thc other cnd thereof, means constantly operatirely conncctihg said handhand jac whereby the former may actuate the latter, and means connccting said handle and steering-wheel means whereby the former may steer the truck by turning said means, substantiallyafdcscrilxid.

4. In a lick-jack of the character described, the combination of a wheeled truck having a pair of stcering-whcels. near one end of the truck. a lifting-jack on said truck, a handle movably mounted on said truck, near theother end thereof means constantly operatively connecting said handle and jac whereby the fonncr may actuate the latter stcp by step. and means connecting said handle and StePring-Whccls whereby the former may steer the truck by turning snid wheels, substantially as dcscrilmd.

5. In a trnck jack of the character de scribcd. the combination of a wheeled truck having carryin; stccring-whccl means ncur one cud and :1 cnrr \'in; whccl ncar its othcr cud. :1 liltinmjnck on said truck. a bandlc movablr mountcd on said truck near thc end thereof rcmotc from said stcering-wlwel means, means connecting said hnndlc and jack means permanently connecting said.

whereby the former may opcratc thc hitter. and means connecting said handle and stccrlug-Wheel means whcreby the handle may turn and steer such means. substantially as described.

6. In a truck-jack of the character described, the combmation of a wheeled truck having a pair of-cnrnvin; steering-wheels near one end and a raster carrying wheel near its'other end. a lifting-jack on said truck, a handle rockingly mounted on said truck near the caster wheelend thereof, means connecting said handle and jack whereby the former may operate the latter. and means connecting the handle and steering-wheels whereby the handle may turn and steer such wheels, substantially as described.

T. In a truck-jack of the character described, the combination of a wheeled truck having pivotally-mounted steering-wheel means near one end of the truck, a liftin jack on said truck. a handle rocking y mounted on said truck near the other end thereof for up and down movement, means connecting said handle'and jack whereby the latter is raised step by step on the downward movements of said handle. and means connecting said handle to said steering-wheel means whereby the latter may be turned by the handle to efl'ect the steering operation, substantially as described.

8. In a truck-jack of the character described, the combination of a wheeled truck having pivotally-mounted steering-wheel means, near one end of the truck, a lifting jack on said truck, a handle mounted on said truck near-the other end thereof to have two ditl'crent movements. means connecting said handle and jack wherebythe" utter is raised step by step during one of t movements of the handle. and means conuectin said handle to said steering-wheel means wliereby the latter may be turned during the other seribed, the combination of a whccled-triu'k.

slitting-junk on said truck. a handle for the truck, a h'ige mounting for said handle permitting. .t to swing on the hiugc and to turn on its own axis. means t'flltlltt'tlllg said handle with said jack whcrcby rocking of the handlc on its hingeiomrates thc jack, and means connecting suidhandle to a wheel of the truck whcreby turning of the handle on its own axis steers the wheel. substantia-lly as described.

10. In a truck-jack of the chuiuctcr de scribed. the combination of a \\'hcelcd-trucl having pirotally mounted stccring-whecl means near one cnd of thc truck. a liftingjnck n said truck. a handle mounted on said truck near the other end thereof to how two different rnovcments, means constantly operatively connecting said handle with said jack whereby one of said movements of the former operates the jack, and means connecting said handle to said steering-wheel means whereby the other movement of the handle effects the steering operation, either movement of the handle having substantially no effect on the results of the other movement, substantially as described.

11. In an applianceof the character described, the combination of a wheeled-truck, a lifting-jack on said truck, a handle, a mounting for said handle permitting it to swing, in a vertical plane and to turn on its own axis, means connecting said handle ,with said jack whereby the verticalmovementsof the handle operate the jack, and means connecting said handle to a wheel of the truck whereby the turning of the handle on its own axis turns said wheel, substantially as described.

12. In an appliance of the character described. the combination of a wheeled-truck, a lifting-jack mounted thereon, a handle fulcrumed on the truck, means connecting said handle to the jack whereby rocking of the handle on the fulcrum operates the jack, and means connecting said handle to a steering wheel of the truck whereby turning of the handle on its own axis steers the wheel, said latter connecting means having a joint normally in register with the axis of said fulcrum whereby rocking of the handle to operate the jack does not affect the steering connection, substantially as described.

13. in an appliance of the character described, the combination of a lifting-jack, a hinged hz'ndle to operate said jack adapted to be swung in a vertical plane, and means to automatically rock said handle to an elevated position when released, regardless of the condition of the jack, substantially as described.

H. in an appliance of the character de scribed, the combination of a truck, carrying wheels for said truck, a lifting-jack, on said trucln'a hinged handle, means connecting said handle with a. wheel of the truck whereby steering of the wheel may be effected by the handle, and means to automatically rock said handle to an ele vated position when released. regardless of the condition of the lifting jack, substantially as described.

15. in an appliance of the character described. the combination of a truck. carryinn-wheels for said truck, a lifting-jack. on said truck a handle, me'ans permitting the handle to rock in a vertical plane and actuate said jack and to turn on its own axis and steer a wheel of the truck, and a spring to autonnilically rock said handle to elevated position when released, substantially as described.

16. In lifting-jack construction of the character described, the" combination of a. lifting-sleeve, means to hold said slccie against rotation, means to raise and lowe said sleeve, a load-supporting post relescopically received received in sand sleeve, 7

lifiting-sleeve provided with a plurality of 8:

recesses at different heights, means to raise and lower said sleeve, a lOadsupporting post slidable in said sleeve and having a cavity, a spring in said cavity, and a catch in said cavity spring, said catci being adapted to support said post in said sleeve by residing partly in one of said sleeve recesses ,andifl 'said post cavity, substantially as described.

18. In a lifting-jack construction of the character described, the combination of a lifting-sleeve having a plurality of holes at different heights, means to raise and lower said sleeve, a load-supporting post slid-able in said sleeve and having an inclined cavity, a coil-spring in said cavity, a ball in said cavity pressed outwardly by said spring and of larger diameter than said sleeve roles. said post being adapted to be su )port d at various elevations by said ball 7 partly in said post cavity and partly in the sleeve hole corresponding to the desired height, substantially as described.

19. In a lifting-jack of the character described, the combination of a lifting-sleeve having aplurality of holes of different heights, means to raise and lower said sleeve, a loadsupporting post sliduble in said sleeve and having an inclined cavity, a coil'spring in said cavity, a ball in said cavity pressed outwardly by said spring and of larger diameter than said sleeve holes, said post being adapted to be supported at various elevations by said ball residing partly in said post cavity and partly in the sleeve hole orresponding to the desired height, a load-engaging saddle swiveled and slid-able on said post, a washer fixed on said post preventing removal of the saddle from the post, and a normally inoperative clutch i connection between said saddle and washer adapted to clutch said parts together when the saddle is slid on the post,substa-ntially as described.

20. In a lifting-jack construction of the character described, the combination of a lifting-sleeve provided with a plurality of recesses at different heights, means to raise and lower said sleeve, means to prevent said sleeve fr m t ning. a loadsupporting post 134' ressed outwardly by said 35 residing slidablc in said sleeve and having a cavity. a spring in said cavity a catch in said caviti pressed outwardly by said sprin said catch being adaptcd to support said post in said sleeve by residing iartly in one of the slccrc recesses and in tupost ca ity, said post having a limited turning mo ement permitting said catch tube shifted into and out of alignment with said s|ecvc recesses. substantially as described.

2]. in a lifting-jack construction of the character described. the combination of a lifting-sleeve having a plurality of holes in a straight line and at ditlcrcnt heights. means to prevent said sleeve from turning. means to raise and lower said sleeve. 11 load supporting post slidableiu" aid sleeve and having an inclined cavity. a coil spring in said cavity. a ball in said cavity pressed outward by said spring and of larger diameter than said sleeve hole. said post being adapted to be supported at various elcrations by said ball residing partly in said-post cavity and partly in the sleeve hole corresponding to the desired height, means permitting said post to have a limited turniu; movement to bring said ball into and out of register with said line of sleeve holes. a load engaging saddle swivelcd and slidable on saidpost. a washer fixed on said post prc venting removal of the saddle from the post. and a normally inoperative clutch connection between said saddlc and washer adapt.

gagla the load. means to raise Said loudcngaging means comprising a bell-crank fulcrumed (in-said truck. a lifting-dog carried by said bell-crank. a socket fulcrumed on said truck; a rod connecting said socket and bell-crank, and an operating-handle journided in said socket. and a steering connectidn between said handle and one or more of the wheels of the truck. substantially as described.

23. In a lifting-jack construction of the character described/tho combination of a main supporting member. a toothed load lifting and lowerin'g member, a lifting 'dog adapted to co-act with said teeth. a retain ingalog adapted to co-operate with said tei th. a handle illt'l'ltlllttl on said support ing niembcr. an operating connection be tween said handle and liftin'galog. and mcans controllable at the free end of said handle adapted to relcasc said rctaiuingalog. suhstantiallr as described.

24-. in a liftingdaclt construction of th cliaractcr described. the combination of a wheeled-truck. a toothed load lifting and lowcring member. a lilting-dog adaptcd to co-act with the teeth of said nicmbcr, a retaining-di' g adapted to co-operatc with said teeth. a handle fulcrunicd on saidtruck. an opcratin; conucction bctwccn said handle and lifting-dog. means controllable at the free cud of said handlc adapted to release said retaining-dog. and means connecting said handle with a wheel of said truck whereby stcering of thc latter may be affected. substantiall as dcscl ihcd.

:25. in a lifting-jack construction of the character dcscrila-d. the combination of a maiirsupporting member. a toothed load lifting and lowering; element. a lifting and lo'wering' dog co-acting with the teeth of said element. a retaining-dog adapted to co-opcrate with said teeth. a handle fulcrumed on said main-supporting member. an operating connection between said handle and said lifting and lowering: dog. a release member co-operating with both dogs. and means to actuate said release member 'operable from the free end of said handle, substantially as described.

26. in a lifting-jack construction of the character described. the coml'iination of a uhcelcd-truck. a toothed load liftiu; and lowering clement. a lifting: and lowering dog; co-a tin; with thc teeth of said element. a retaining-dog adapted to co-operate with said tccth: a handle fulcrmncd on said main supporting lement. an opcrnting: connection bctwccn said handilaud said lifting and lowering dog. a release member co-operating with both dogs. means to actuate said lcltasc nicnlbcr operable from the free end of said handle. and means connecting said handle to one or more wheels of said truck whereby stccriug of the latter may be effectcd. substantially as described.

27. In a lifting-jack construction of the character described. the combination of a main supporting member. a toothed load lifting and lowering element. a lifting and lowering dog (o-acting with the tooth of said element. a retaining-doc adapted to cooperate with said teeth. a handle fulcrumed on said main supporting mcmber, an oporating connection between said handle and said lifting and lowering dog. a release member co-operating with both dogs and having a cam surface with which a; part of the lifting and lowering do: cooperates, and means to actuate said release member operable from the free end ,of said handle. suhstaw tially as dcscribcd '2 in a lifting-jack construction of the character dcscribcd. the combination of a main supportingr member. a toothed load liltin and lowering clement. a lifting and lowering do, co-actiu; with the te th f said clcmcnt. u retaining-do adapted to co-operatc with said teeth. a handle fulcrumed on said main supporting nicudar an operating \HTiIH't'tlOI. bctwccn said handle and said lifting and lowering dog, "a link supdited release member cooperating with blith dogs, and means to actuate said release member operable from the free end of said Handle, substantially as described.

A vehicle roller jack comprising a horizontally extending frame, carrying wheels supporting said frame, alifting member in the form of 'a housing movable up and pwn with respect to said frame, a rack bar slidable vertically in saidvlifting menr bet, a load supporting member revolubly mounted on a. vertical axis on said rack bar IRA A. WEAVER. ROLLA G. 'STOEHR. 

